Ford Mustang History

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1981 Ford Mustang

Sales begin to flatten with 182,552 Mustangs built for the 1981 model year. This is performance-oriented four-cylinder turbo bows out. Hardware improves with a new rear axle. This new Traction-Lok system makes launching the Mustang all the more enjoyable, as drivers have less wheel-hop to contend with.

1981 would mark the first year in Mustang history that hatchback models outsold coupes. The trend continued through the end of the Mustang's third generation in 1993.

Total U.S. Production: 182,552

Borrowing again from the Cars & Concepts-modified '79 Mustang pace car, an optional T-Top is offered.

5,327 V8 Mustangs are sold as the venerable 302 reaches its nadir for horsepower output.

Engines
4.2L	2V	V8	120 HP	D Code
2.3L	2V	4-cyl	88 HP	A Code
3.3L	1V	6-cyl	94 HP	B Code

Production
Type	Produced
Hatchback, standard	77,399
Hatchback, Ghia, standard	14,273
Coupe, standard	77,458
Coupe, Ghia, standard	13,422
-Total-	182,552

Prices
Type	Price
Coupe, standard	$5,897
Hatchback, standard	$6,566
Hatchback, Ghia, standard	$6,786

Colors
Color	Produced
Black
Bright Bittersweet
Bright Red
Bright Yellow
Dark Brown Metallic
Dark Cordovan Metallic
Medium Blue Glow
Medium Pewter Metallic
Midnight Blue Metallic
Pastel Chamois
Polar White
Red
Bittersweet Glow
Light Pewter Metallic

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Photos

1981 Cobra